Cruise Northern Europe

From Portsmouth to Dublin, Ponant invites you to discover a new itinerary in the heart of the Celtic Sea.

Step aboard the Le Soléal for an 8-day cruise to lands of legend and romance.

One port of call will be at the Isles of Scilly, a strange little archipelago whose landscapes seem to have come straight out of Enid Blyton's famous story, The Rockingdown Mystery. Here, long sandy beaches stand alongside green fields, while ruins of old castles stand proud on hilltops.

Step ashore at Cobh, a maritime port in County Cork in south west Ireland, and take a trip to discover the picturesque village of Blarney - a village famous for its castle - and Kinsale - a charming little port sheltered within the Bandon Estuary.

Le Soléal will take you to the Isle of Man, located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. Along the way, between Douglas and Castletown, discover a place brimming with mystery and magic: Fairy Bridge.

During your stopover in Belfast, you can visit theGiant's Causeway. This massive geological formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features over 40,000 basalt columns.

Staterooms & Suites

LE SOLEAL

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interior Design

With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.

Port of call & excursions

Portsmouth

Located to the south-east of London, Portsmouth is one of the three most important military ports in England. This maritime tradition takes shape in the Historic Dockyard, the home of Portsmouth's arsenal, where emblematic ships are to be found, including HMS Victory, captained by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The home town of Charles Dickens, and the adopted home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the celebrated adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Portsmouth is not short of attractions with its parks, sea fronts and city walls. Do not miss the view over the city from the Spinnaker Tower, taking the form of a great sail and soaring from 170 metres into the air, making it one of the highest monuments in the United Kingdom.

25 April 2017 – Guernsey (Channel Islands)

Arrival 25/04/2017 at 12H00 . Departure 25/04/2017 at 19H00 .

Guernsey is an atypical and unforgettable port of call. This Channel Island will delight you with its mild, iodic climate and its green and floral landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, testifying to the long history of the island and its rich heritage. The attractive capital of St. Peter Port is characteristic of the delightful British atmosphere that gives the island its charm. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is also very present, as he lived for fifteen years in exile in Guernsey. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory. The incredible richness of the decoration gives a clear illustration of the creative genius of this great man.

26 April 2017 – Scilly Islands

Arrival 26/04/2017 at 08H00 . Departure 26/04/2017 at 18H00 .

Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.

27 April 2017 – Cork

Arrival 27/04/2017 at 08H00 . Departure 27/04/2017 at 18H00 .

This charming stopover on the southern coast of Ireland will certainly win you over with its pastel-shaded houses layered up the hillside. A little train avoids you from having to climb the steep streets of the historic centre. Once you’re there, you come to Saint Colman cathedral overlooking the coastline. The extensive panorama provides views of the little islands in Cork Harbour. Down below, the pubs complete with their floral window displays are enough to catch your eye. The pubs are famous for their traditional dishes like “colcannon” - a steaming hot soup made with cabbage served in a bowl, or a plate of boxties - crispy potato cakes with horse radish.

28 April 2017 – Liverpool

Arrival 28/04/2017 at 14H30 . Departure 28/04/2017 at 23H00 .

The fast-moving and appealing city of Liverpool sprawls along the banks of the River Mersey. This former bastion of industry in England's north-west has found its second wind, thanks especially to the highly successful redevelopment of its docks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. The city, the Beatles' birthplace, has lots to offer to its visitors. While a walk down the Waterfront from Pier Head to Albert Dock is a major highlight youﾒll also love the quality of ﾠmuseums such as the Walker Art Gallery and the wealth of architecture in the city. But what will really impress you is the playful and open-minded spirit of its inhabitants, which John Lennon referred to as "positive energy".

29 April 2017 – Douglas

Arrival 29/04/2017 at 08H00 . Departure 29/04/2017 at 18H00 .

Douglas ﾠis the capital of the Isle of Man, a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The Isle of Man is best-known for its gruelling annual TT motorbike race but Douglas itself is a charming traditional seaside resort. Take a stroll or horse tram along the busy promenade and visit the Manx Museum, which retraces the island's fascinating Celtic and Viking heritage. You can take a steam train into the mountainous interior, where you'll see medieval castles and pretty villages and farms.

30 April 2017 – Belfast-Northern Ireland

Arrival 30/04/2017 at 08H00 . Departure 30/04/2017 at 18H00 .

The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.

Dublin

Disembarkation 01/05/2017 at 08H00 .

The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, PONANT will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Pre/Post & Overlands

After your cruise

Discovery of Dublin (1 day)
01/05/2017

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day time between the port and the airport.

Dublin

Once the clearance obtained, you will depart from the ship and travel directly to Dublin City Centre where you will pass The Customs House, located on the north bank River Liffey. It was designed by James Gandon and completed in 1791. Crossing the River Liffey to Dublin’s south side, you will soon pass The Old Parliament House (now the Bank of Ireland) and Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1, it is Ireland’s oldest college. Located in its Library is the world famous Book of Kells, a hand illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. A stop will be made here to visit Trinity College and view the Book of Kells.

Your tour of the city will continue passing the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam, National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings and St. Stephen’s Green. You will pass Dublin Castle, City Hall and Christchurch Cathedral en route to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Founded in 1190, St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean here from 1713 to 1745. The pulpit from which he preached is still to be seen.

While in the City you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch before taking some free time to explore the city and its shops independently.

On the north side of Dublin’s River Liffey, you will pass the Four Courts, Ireland’s courts of justice. The north side boasts the wide boulevard of O’Connell Street and here you will pass the General Post Office, scene of the 1916 rising and birthplace of the Irish nation.

Following your introduction to the cultural city of Dublin, you will travel to Dublin International Airport on time for the flight selected by PONANT (flight details subject to change by the airline).

Durations are indicative and the order of visits may change. For the times of your Ponant flight, please contact your adviser; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Dublin on your own (2 days/1 night)
01/05/2017

Meet and greet by your English speaking driver. You will be transferred to the O'Callaghan Davenport hotel 4*.

Check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.

Hospitality Desk (if a minimum of 10 guests are staying at same hotel).

Overnight in Dublin.

Day 2 Dublin

Breakfast at the hotel.

Pre-paid taxi from the hotel to the airport in connection with the departure of your flight.

Please note:

Official check-in time is: 03:00pm

Official check-out time is: 12:00am

Early check-in and /or late check-out are available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

It is imperative that your flight departure details be communicated at least 30 days prior to arrival, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at the airport.

Rate does not include:

Tips and gratuities.

All personal expenses (meals, beverages, sightseeing….)

Early check-in, late check-out.

Your hotel:

The building, where the Davenport is located, was formerly Merrion Hall, a prayer hall which was designed to be able to accommodate up to 2000 worshippers. Located on Merrion square, home to: The National Museum, The Natural History Museum, Dail Eireann, (the home of Government), The National Maternity Hospital and many of our largest companies, life not only begins in this part of Dublin but a stroll around the area ensures you see Dubliners in all their guises, business, politics, study, socialising and, of course, shopping. The building opened as a four star hotel in 1993 and offers both a traditional and modern experience in Dublin with a superb city centre location.

Before your cruise

Transfer from London Heathrow Airport to Portsmouth with panoramic tour of Portsmouth and lunch (half-day)
24/04/2017

The flight selected by PONANT will be communicated with your travel documents or upon request via your travel professional.

Would you like to join this program but are travelling on a different flight than the one selected by Ponant ? Please, do not hesitate to contact our travel agents or your travel professional, Ponant can organize your private transfer.

London Heathrow/Portsmouth

Meet at London Heathrow Airport. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT (Flight details are subject to change by the airline).

You will depart the airport by coach and drive towards the City of Portsmouth (approx. a 2h 1/2 drive).

Upon arrival in Portsmouth, at the beginning of the afternoon, you will be taken to a local restaurant for a light lunch composed of 2 courses (1 main course and 1 dessert). Then, you will start a panoramic tour of Portsmouth which will end at the port, for embarkation.

Portsmouth is rightly famed for its naval heritage and harbour, but besides this there is so much more for you to discover. On the panoramic tour, you will learn more about the events and people that have shaped the city across the centuries, including Charles Dickens, who was born in Portsmouth and Arthur Conan Doyle who started writing Sherlock Holmes stories whilst practising as a Doctor here. You will see the spacious parks and the famous seafront, as well as fortressed and fortifications that was the backbone of this Garrison Town.

During your cruise

Sunset River Cruise
28/04/2017

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise.

Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on-board based on availability.

A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour.

100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

Meet your guide at Liverpool cruise terminal passenger lounge, and take the short drive in your private motor coach to Salthouse Dock. Step aboard the Floating Grace and receive a very warm welcome before enjoying your private sunset river cruise.

The Floating Grace is berthed right in the heart of Liverpool city centre, at the famous Albert Dock. After a short safety brief, depart the berth and set sail, heading east then south under Gower Street Bridge into Wapping Basin, passing the Big Wheel and Duke’s Dock entrance.

On board, enjoy the calm atmosphere helped by light background music and relax with a glass of champagne. Listen as one of the experienced and knowledgeable skippers talks you through the sites and buildings whilst you glide past taking in the stunning views on a sunset backdrop.

As you cruise into Wapping Dock on the east side, you can see the beautiful East & West Quay apartments, which were originally dock warehouses when the docks were operational. Heading south and passing under Mariners Wharf Bridge, we enter Coburg Dock, the start of the Liverpool Marina; here you see some of Liverpool’s amazing yachts and cruisers, fantastic boats of all shapes and sizes.

Full steam ahead past the Yacht Club Bar and Restaurant into Brunswick Dock, where the rest of the 500 boats & yachts are berthed; this is also part of the Liverpool Marina. Continue south and pass the Brunswick Lock entrance that leads to the famous River Mersey, and to the east see HMS Eaglet, the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Marine Reserve.

Turnabout, and head north through the Docks at a leisurely cruise, returning to Salthouse Dock, where your journey started. For the Finale, sail under Hartley Bridge into the Albert Dock, home of some of Liverpool’s finest bars and restaurants. Step off the boat and take the short drive back to Liverpool cruise terminal with your guide.

The Floating Grace boat will be exclusive to PONANT guests. Guests must be able to manage 1 or 2 steps to board the coach and should be able to go on and off the boat without assistance. Comments will be given by skippers in English and translated by your French speaking guide. A selection of canapés is included, as well as two glasses of champagne. Children must be at least 18 to participate. This tour can welcome a maximum of 48 participants.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.